Joséphine Catapano

United States Born 1918 Estée Lauder

Known for complex, long-lasting fragrances balancing diverse notes, as in Youth Dew (1953, Estée Lauder) with its spicy oriental profile and Fidji (Guy Laroche) chypre structure.

About

Joséphine Catapano was an American perfumer at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF). She created Estée Lauder Youth Dew in 1953, originally launched as a bath oil that doubled as perfume. Other notable creations include Norell for Norell, JHL for Estée Lauder, Fidji for Guy Laroche in 1966, and the original Zen for Shiseido. She received the Cosmetic Career Women’s Award in 1980 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Perfumers in 1993. Catapano mentored Sophia Grojsman.